Jefferson Junior High School to increase security after assault

COLUMBIA — Jefferson Junior High School is increasing security after a teacher was assaulted in the parking lot on Wednesday.

Principal Greg Caine said the school will modify security procedures because of the incident. The school has not specified what security measures will be put in place, Caine said. The school wants security procedures to not be made public.

On Wednesday, a female victim was walking to her car when she was approached by the male suspect that demanded her keys. The suspect hit the victim in the face and ran from the scene, Columbia Police Department spokeswoman Latisha Stroer said.

Marquez F. Marshall was arrested on second-degree robbery and third-degree assault after turning himself in, according to Stroer.

The school is working with district office security personnel as well as the Columbia Police Department, Caine said.

"The safety and security of the Jefferson Junior High family is our number one priority," Caine said.